Does Dandruff Cause Hair Fall: How Are Both Connected?

Dandruff is a common scalp ailment that causes microscopic flakes of dry skin to flake from the scalp. You may detect flakes in your hair or on your shoulders if you have dark hair or wear dark colors. Dandruff might also irritate your scalp. Many people believe that inadequate cleanliness causes dandruff, however, this is not the case. Although regular shampooing can make dandruff more visible, scientists are still investigating the causes, which appear to be complex. Some people are claiming that dandruff causes hair fall. Does dandruff cause hair loss?

Causes of hair loss

1. Age

Hair loss is common as people become older because hair growth slows. Hair follicles eventually stop producing hair, causing the hair on our scalp to diminish. Hair begins to lose its color as well. The hairline of men & women begins to recede with time.

2. Alopecia areata is a kind of alopecia

Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system assaults the hair follicles (which hold the hair in place) and causes hair loss. Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, within the nose, and in the ears. Eyelashes and brows can be lost in certain persons.

3. Childbirth, illness, or other adversities are all sources of stress

You may notice a lot more hairs in your brush or on your pillow a few months after giving birth, recovering from a sickness, or having an operation. This can also occur following a stressful event in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.

4. Unbalanced hormones

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common source of this imbalance (PCOS). It causes cysts to form on a woman’s ovaries, as well as other signs and symptoms such as hair loss. Some forms of birth control tablets can produce a temporary hormonal imbalance if you stop taking them. A hormonal imbalance can cause thinning hair (or hair loss) on the scalp in women. Once your hormone balances, your hair should begin to grow again.

Does dandruff cause hair loss?

According to dermatologists, seborrheic dermatitis is the most common cause of dandruff. This is an inflammatory skin ailment caused by a yeast called Malassezia.

“It can flare up in response to stress, changes in the environment, or medical concerns,” Hussain explains. Inflammation can damage hair follicles over time, causing hair to transition prematurely from the growth phase to telogen, which is when hair follicles rest and fall out. Treatment of dandruff as soon as possible may be beneficial. If medication fails, it’s possible that something else is to blame for the hair loss.

Solution for dandruff and hair fall

1. Medical shampoo

Use a medicated shampoo meant to deal with dandruff if you haven’t previously. Look for any of the following substances in your products: selenium sulfide pyrithione zinc salicylic acid ketoconazole. These chemicals can be found in anti-dandruff shampoos.
You may only need to use medicated shampoo for a few weeks if you have minor dandruff. If you have light-colored hair, you should avoid selenium sulfide because it can cause discoloration.

2. Toss in some wetness

It’s critical to hydrate your scalp with conditioner, regardless of the underlying reason for your dandruff. When using medicated shampoos, especially ones containing salicylic acid, this is very crucial. When used daily, these can be dried.

Try massaging your scalp with coconut oil and then rinsing it off for an extra benefit. Coconut oil has antimicrobial qualities in addition to being hydrating. Its antifungal activity was shown to be similar to that of ketoconazole, a prominent ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos, in a 2015 study.

If you suspect you have seborrheic dermatitis, avoid using oils on your scalp. Extra oil can sometimes aggravate the problem.

3. Hair products that irritate the scalp should be avoided

Ingredients that might irritate delicate skin are commonly included in hair color and other hair products. Contact dermatitis can result as a result of this. Contact dermatitis on the scalp is commonly caused by preservatives and scents.

The following are some examples of potentially irritating compounds used in hair products:

Bleach detergents with natural or artificial fragrances
formaldehyde
Some people use items for years before experiencing any negative effects. If you’ve been using the same hair products for a long time and haven’t noticed any dandruff, it’s time to switch things up.

4. Control your anxiety

Stress does not cause dandruff directly, but it might damage your immune system over time. This can make you more susceptible to the naturally occurring Malassezia fungus on your scalp. Learn more about how stress affects your body.

Relaxation practices such as yoga or meditation might help you manage your stress. Even a little walk around the block or a minute or two of calm breathing can assist.

5. Get some sunshine

According to the Mayo Clinic, while ultraviolet rays cause accelerated aging and raise your risk of skin cancer, a small amount of sunlight may be beneficial for dandruff. If you’re going outside, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your face and body.

FAQs

1. What causes dandruff and hair fall?

Both dandruff and hair loss can be caused by the following conditions: Tinea capitis, often known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that causes severe itching on the scalp. Dry flakes or blisters may also appear, and hair may fall out in clumps. Dandruff symptoms and hair loss can also be caused by other fungal infections.

2. Does dandruff cause hair thinness?

Dandruff does not cause hair loss in and of itself. Severe dandruff, on the other hand, can lead a person to scratch their scalp so hard that it is injured. Inflammation of the hair follicles regularly can cause scarring and damage, reducing or preventing hair growth. This can result in thinning or weak hair.

3. Does dandruff stop hair growth?

Dandruff does not cause hair loss in and of itself. Severe dandruff, on the other hand, can lead a person to scratch their scalp so hard that it is injured. Inflammation of the hair follicles regularly can cause scarring and damage, reducing or preventing hair growth.

Dandruff is extremely prevalent, and most people can manage their symptoms at home. Dandruff sufferers are unlikely to lose their hair. Untreated dandruff, on the other hand, may be a cause of hair loss. Even if dandruff isn’t the root of the problem, it can harm healthy hair and scalp and hasten hair loss caused by other factors.

Dandruff symptoms might be confused with a variety of other illnesses. Consult a dermatologist if your dandruff does not improve with home treatment, the itching becomes unbearable, or your hair continues to fall out.